Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel

Aguas de Ibiza draws couples and young groups of friends with its sleek, contemporary style, rooftop bar and restaurant featuring panoramic views, and free unlimited access to a high-end spa. It may not be as striking or luxurious as it used to be, and some areas are showing some wear and tear, but it is still one of the top hotels in quiet Santa Eulalia. Two glass revolving doors open onto the round lobby, a large and bright space which has a mix of modern design with some traditional accents, such as exposed stone walls and carved wood furniture. To the left of the main entrance are the stairs that take guests to the lower lever, which is home to the spa, gym, and meeting space. The far end of the lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the manicured grounds and the main pool deck. Located right off the lobby, Alabastro has similar decor, with dark brown couches and white tables and chairs in the lounge area, and several wooden tables with white tablecloths placed along the huge windows in the dining space.

The hotel is located right across the street from the marina, on Santa Eulalia’s promenade. There are several hotels and a few shops within a couple of blocks, and a handful of restaurants and bars a little farther down the promenade. Directly opposite the hotel is the Ibiza Conference Center. Santa Eulalia’s main beach can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes, and there are a couple of stretches of sand east of the marina in the Can Sansó area. Ibiza Town can be reached by car in 20 minutes, and party areas such as Playa d’en Bossa and Sant Antoni de Portmany are a 25- to 30-minute drive away. The drive to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

Rooms are bright and contemporary, with large windows, natural stone or hardwood floors, and a tan and gray palette throughout. Many rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, and some have outdoor soaking tubs -- but while many have at least partial sea views, others overlook a parking lot. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with either shower/tub combos (in standard units) or glass-enclosed showers and separate tubs. Some bathrooms have glass walls overlooking the rooms, but pull-down shades offer privacy. Room amenities are on par with those at other luxury hotels in the area, and include free Wi-Fi, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, minibars, automation systems for blinds and lights, pillow menus, and air-conditioning. Although all rooms offer coffeemakers, coffee and tea are only available for an extra fee. Cloud Nine Level offers access to a fourth-floor lounge with free morning coffee, and perks such as concierge services, DVD players and a selection of movies, and a private deck.

The main pool, located on the ground floor and surrounded by orange umbrellas and padded loungers, is the busiest part of the hotel during the day. It is relaxing and stylish, and features a bar serving drinks, snacks, and a Mediterranean menu. The second (smaller) pool is located on the rooftop area, offering striking panoramic views of the marina, Santa Eulalia, and Formentera island in the background. The rooftop also houses a sleek bar with lounge furniture, and Vi Cool, the hotel’s most popular restaurant, a tapas spot by celebrity chef Sergi Arola. A wonderful breakfast buffet is served every morning at Oligo, which features outdoor seating. One of the best perks at Aguas de Ibiza is that the nightly rate includes free unlimited access to a great spa, complete with hydrotherapy areas, saunas, steam baths, a salon, and treatments (for a fee). The fitness center is divided into two main areas: a cardio room, and a strength-training space, both with natural light and up-to-date equipment. Additionally, there are personal trainers, and group or private yoga and Pilates classes. The hotel also offers three meeting rooms, all with natural light and high-tech equipment, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout.